Brazil regrets continuing conflict in Syria

Brazilian authorities have regretted that the conflict in Syria has been going on for over four years. “This is one of the worst human tragedies of this century, which has left more than 220,000 dead, including more than 100,000 civilians, many of them women and children, as well as hundreds of thousand refugees and millions domestically displaced,” the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Itamaraty) said in a statement.

“Brazil deplores the widespread loss of human lives and the destruction of property and historical and cultural heritage in our sister country,” the note went on, noting Brazil's connection to Syria because of the large number of Syrian immigrants and their descendants in the country.

The Brazilian government advocated a civil rather than military solution to the conflict. “Only a negotiated and inclusive political solution, supported by the United Nations, can put an end to the suffering of the Syrian people and allow their legitimate aspirations to become a reality,” the note read. The Foreign Ministry went on to urge closer dialogue between the government and the opposition, calling for respect for human rights, independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity in Syria.

“The Brazilian government expressly condemns any acts of terrorism, systematic human rights violations, religious intolerance, and the use of violence against civilian populations.” The Ministry went on to point out that in addition to sheltering a significant number of Syrian refugees since 2011, Brazil has donated food, medicines, and funds to help the Syrian population and the neighboring countries.

Translated by Mayra Borges